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Anna: A life of Faith and Courage
Anna is a touching story from an autobiographical memoir written of Anna Marie Gamble's later years. It tells of a desperately impoverished life as an undernourished and sickly child, where she is protected by an older sister from her cruel alcoholic father and abusive mother. The sister’s deep faith is passed on to Anna who finds God at an early age and devotes her life to worship of Him. She inherits a love for music and her father's gift of a beautiful singing voice. Her itinerant family moves forty times before Anna is fourteen years old. Her mother leaves home for long periods and is arrested for larceny and then for prostitution, but not before she attempts to poison Anna's father. Desperate for money, Anna finds work in a silk mill when she is sixteen and becomes active in union problems. She is in constant prayer and faithfully attends prayer meetings and church services as a devoted Christian. In an effort to help take her out of a life of misery and poverty, Anna is nominated by her pastor to attend bible college despite her lack of formal education. While attending college, where she excels, she meets her future husband, also a dedicated Christian. After marrying, they settle in a small town in New York where they raise four children. Their lives are not easy, but they never lose faith In God. They are active in church and devote much of their lives to helping others. Her story begins and ends in a convalescent center in Michigan and is told by the author, who looks after her in her waning years. He is so blessed by their friendship that he writes this book as a tribute to a beautiful life of faith and courage.
Anna is an inspiration to all of us.
If you enjoyed "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, you will also be touched by Anna's story
Anna is an inspiration to all of us.
If you enjoyed "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls, you will also be touched by Anna's story
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
6 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 9, 2025
this was such a heartfelt read. anna is the kind of book that quietly pulls you in and keeps you thinking about it long after you’ve turned the last page. it’s based on the real story of anna marie gamble, and her life is honestly nothing short of incredible. the author blends her own words with his narration in such a smooth way that it feels like you’re sitting beside anna as she shares everything she’s been through.
her childhood is filled with so much hardship and instability. the way her family kept moving, the poverty, the pain, the things she had to endure at such a young age, it’s hard to even imagine. and yet, somehow through all of that, her faith never wavered. she found strength in god and her belief carried her through everything. there’s a quiet kind of resilience in her story that makes you stop and think about what people can truly survive.
the book moves through different phases of her life and each one shows another layer of her character. she doesn’t have a lot of formal education but still ends up attending bible college, building a life around service and kindness. and even when life continued to be hard, especially in her later years, there’s this peaceful strength to her that stays with you.
if you love real life stories of survival, faith, and perseverance, this is one of those books that’ll speak to you. it’s not loud or overly dramatic. it’s raw, grounded, and deeply inspiring.
her childhood is filled with so much hardship and instability. the way her family kept moving, the poverty, the pain, the things she had to endure at such a young age, it’s hard to even imagine. and yet, somehow through all of that, her faith never wavered. she found strength in god and her belief carried her through everything. there’s a quiet kind of resilience in her story that makes you stop and think about what people can truly survive.
the book moves through different phases of her life and each one shows another layer of her character. she doesn’t have a lot of formal education but still ends up attending bible college, building a life around service and kindness. and even when life continued to be hard, especially in her later years, there’s this peaceful strength to her that stays with you.
if you love real life stories of survival, faith, and perseverance, this is one of those books that’ll speak to you. it’s not loud or overly dramatic. it’s raw, grounded, and deeply inspiring.
September 27, 2025
Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage is a clean, motivational work of historical fiction that left me both moved and inspired. Anna is portrayed as a quiet but remarkably strong woman who lets her faith shine not through lofty words, but through the way she chooses to live her life.
This fictionalized tale grows out of a real memoir written by Anna herself, and that grounding in truth gives the novel an authenticity that resonates deeply. The faith-based perspective isn’t heavy-handed; instead, it flows naturally through Anna’s journey, showing how prayer, perseverance, and trust can shape a life even in the harshest of circumstances.
I especially appreciated the few sections where the author steps out of Anna’s point of view. Those shifts add an extra layer of depth—maybe “resonance” is the better word—that expands the story beyond Anna’s lived experiences and reminds us of its broader impact.
Overall, this is an inspiring, heartfelt story of resilience, courage, and devotion. For readers who enjoy faith-based historical fiction, Anna’s journey is sure to encourage and uplift.
⭐ 5/5 Stars
Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage is a clean, motivational historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends fact and fiction. Anna’s quiet strength and unwavering faith shine through her life story, drawn from a real memoir. The faith-based perspective adds authenticity, and the occasional shifts out of Anna’s POV bring a resonance that deepens the narrative. A truly inspiring read for fans of faith-driven historical fiction.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review represents my honest and unbiased opinion.
This fictionalized tale grows out of a real memoir written by Anna herself, and that grounding in truth gives the novel an authenticity that resonates deeply. The faith-based perspective isn’t heavy-handed; instead, it flows naturally through Anna’s journey, showing how prayer, perseverance, and trust can shape a life even in the harshest of circumstances.
I especially appreciated the few sections where the author steps out of Anna’s point of view. Those shifts add an extra layer of depth—maybe “resonance” is the better word—that expands the story beyond Anna’s lived experiences and reminds us of its broader impact.
Overall, this is an inspiring, heartfelt story of resilience, courage, and devotion. For readers who enjoy faith-based historical fiction, Anna’s journey is sure to encourage and uplift.
⭐ 5/5 Stars
Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage is a clean, motivational historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends fact and fiction. Anna’s quiet strength and unwavering faith shine through her life story, drawn from a real memoir. The faith-based perspective adds authenticity, and the occasional shifts out of Anna’s POV bring a resonance that deepens the narrative. A truly inspiring read for fans of faith-driven historical fiction.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review represents my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 26, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 love to read memoirs
✝️ are unwavering in your faith
✍🏻 have ever kept a journal
♥️ are looking for a heartfelt read
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Anna's story begins and ends in a convalescent center in Michigan and is told by the author, whose brother looks after her in her waning years. The story is based on a short memoir written by Anna for her children. Her life is filled with trials and tribulations that test her faith to its limits.
With a desperately impoverished and undernourished childhood in an itinerant and abusive family living in rural Pennsylvania, Anna is faced with obstacles that could break most people. She finds solace in God with constant prayer and attendance in church services. Although she has little formal education, she is nominated by her pastor to attend bible college. where she excels and meets her future husband. They start a family and despite their own hardships, they devote their lives to helping others. Her powerful story of sacrifice, faith, and courage is an inspiration to us all.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a heartfelt and moving memoir about a woman with unwavering faith in all aspects of her life. I absolutely loved reading all about her, her struggles, her children, etc. She had a really fascinating life with a lot of hardships, but she never ever let it get her down. This is a good one to read when you feel like the weight of the world is crushing down on you with no way out. If you enjoy memoirs about resilient women, pick this one up!
📖 love to read memoirs
✝️ are unwavering in your faith
✍🏻 have ever kept a journal
♥️ are looking for a heartfelt read
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Anna's story begins and ends in a convalescent center in Michigan and is told by the author, whose brother looks after her in her waning years. The story is based on a short memoir written by Anna for her children. Her life is filled with trials and tribulations that test her faith to its limits.
With a desperately impoverished and undernourished childhood in an itinerant and abusive family living in rural Pennsylvania, Anna is faced with obstacles that could break most people. She finds solace in God with constant prayer and attendance in church services. Although she has little formal education, she is nominated by her pastor to attend bible college. where she excels and meets her future husband. They start a family and despite their own hardships, they devote their lives to helping others. Her powerful story of sacrifice, faith, and courage is an inspiration to us all.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a heartfelt and moving memoir about a woman with unwavering faith in all aspects of her life. I absolutely loved reading all about her, her struggles, her children, etc. She had a really fascinating life with a lot of hardships, but she never ever let it get her down. This is a good one to read when you feel like the weight of the world is crushing down on you with no way out. If you enjoy memoirs about resilient women, pick this one up!
September 25, 2025
I just finished reading Anna: Life of Faith and Courage and my heart feels so full. This book isn’t just a story — it’s a journey of resilience, hope, and quiet strength. Honestly, it’s the kind of read that lingers with you even after you close the last page.
To begin with, I loved how Anna’s character was portrayed — strong yet vulnerable, faithful yet human. Her courage in the face of struggles made me stop and reflect on my own life. The emotional depth was beautifully written, not over-dramatic but so genuine that it felt real.
I also adored the relationships in this book. The way her bonds with family and friends were woven into the narrative was heartwarming. They reminded me of how powerful love and support can be, even in the most difficult times.
The writing itself was simple yet profound — it drew me in and made me feel like I was right there, walking alongside Anna. At times it was inspiring, at times bittersweet, but always filled with faith and hope.
Yes, there were a few predictable turns, but that didn’t take away from the impact. If anything, it made the story even more comforting. This book gave me the same feeling as wrapping myself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening — safe, inspired, and grateful
To begin with, I loved how Anna’s character was portrayed — strong yet vulnerable, faithful yet human. Her courage in the face of struggles made me stop and reflect on my own life. The emotional depth was beautifully written, not over-dramatic but so genuine that it felt real.
I also adored the relationships in this book. The way her bonds with family and friends were woven into the narrative was heartwarming. They reminded me of how powerful love and support can be, even in the most difficult times.
The writing itself was simple yet profound — it drew me in and made me feel like I was right there, walking alongside Anna. At times it was inspiring, at times bittersweet, but always filled with faith and hope.
Yes, there were a few predictable turns, but that didn’t take away from the impact. If anything, it made the story even more comforting. This book gave me the same feeling as wrapping myself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening — safe, inspired, and grateful
September 26, 2025
Anna’s journey begins in the quiet of her later years, but the heart of this book carries us back to a childhood marked by hardship in rural Pennsylvania. She grows up hungry, neglected, and mistreated, yet through every trial, she holds fast to prayer and the comfort of faith.
That unshakable devotion leads her to bible college, where she flourishes despite her limited education, and later to a life of ministry alongside her husband. Together they raise a family and dedicate themselves to service, even when their own resources are scarce.
The storytelling has been done with honesty, drawn directly from Anna’s own memoir. Reading the book felt like getting to know a family story that matters. The language is simple and steady, with gripping moments.
The book is a reminder of how faith can transform even the most fragile beginnings into a legacy of courage. The book feels like receiving wisdom passed down through generations. A heartfelt celebration of perseverance and belief, written with care and sincerity, giving us more than a biography, this is a story that uplifts and inspires. I would give it a strong four stars.
That unshakable devotion leads her to bible college, where she flourishes despite her limited education, and later to a life of ministry alongside her husband. Together they raise a family and dedicate themselves to service, even when their own resources are scarce.
The storytelling has been done with honesty, drawn directly from Anna’s own memoir. Reading the book felt like getting to know a family story that matters. The language is simple and steady, with gripping moments.
The book is a reminder of how faith can transform even the most fragile beginnings into a legacy of courage. The book feels like receiving wisdom passed down through generations. A heartfelt celebration of perseverance and belief, written with care and sincerity, giving us more than a biography, this is a story that uplifts and inspires. I would give it a strong four stars.
September 3, 2025
Anna Marie Gamble’s life is both heartbreaking and inspiring. What a story!
From an impoverished, undernourished childhood with an abusive household to finding faith, music, and purpose, Anna’s story is a testament to resilience, devotion, and courage.
What struck me most was her unwavering faith in God through unimaginable hardships. Her ability to remain compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated to helping others is truly humbling.
Travis Short tells her story with warmth and reverence, giving us a vivid portrait of a woman who overcame the odds through perseverance, prayer, and the love of family.
If you enjoy memoirs about overcoming adversity with grace, Anna’s story is a beautiful and uplifting read.
It left me reflecting on faith, family, and the quiet strength that can shape a life.
From an impoverished, undernourished childhood with an abusive household to finding faith, music, and purpose, Anna’s story is a testament to resilience, devotion, and courage.
What struck me most was her unwavering faith in God through unimaginable hardships. Her ability to remain compassionate, hardworking, and dedicated to helping others is truly humbling.
Travis Short tells her story with warmth and reverence, giving us a vivid portrait of a woman who overcame the odds through perseverance, prayer, and the love of family.
If you enjoy memoirs about overcoming adversity with grace, Anna’s story is a beautiful and uplifting read.
It left me reflecting on faith, family, and the quiet strength that can shape a life.
August 31, 2025
this one felt less like reading a book and more like sitting with someone’s life story over a cup of tea. Anna’s journey is full of hardship, faith, and resilience and the way Travis Short writes it, you can really feel the tenderness and respect.
what struck me most is how her faith wasn’t this loud, perfect thing… it was steady, quiet, and strong. even when life was far from easy, she held on, and that’s what makes this story so powerful.
It’s one of those books that leaves you thinking about your own strength and what anchors you when life feels heavy. this was a very different and good perspective for me to read from!
if you love memoirs, faith-centered reads, or stories that remind you of the beauty in perseverance, this one’s worth picking up.
what struck me most is how her faith wasn’t this loud, perfect thing… it was steady, quiet, and strong. even when life was far from easy, she held on, and that’s what makes this story so powerful.
It’s one of those books that leaves you thinking about your own strength and what anchors you when life feels heavy. this was a very different and good perspective for me to read from!
if you love memoirs, faith-centered reads, or stories that remind you of the beauty in perseverance, this one’s worth picking up.
September 2, 2025
Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage by Travis Short is a heartwarming read which keeps the readers hooked till the end. The story is based on a frank and revealing memoir written by Anna Marie Gamble at age 84 at the request of her children. Travis Short met Anna when she was 96 years old while visiting his brother's wife at a convalescent facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The book is about Anna's journey, and it is sad with family dysfunctions. Yet, she is full of strength and courage.
Such a well-written book. The language used is lucid and easy to understand. It is a blend of facts with fiction, which makes it an unputdownable read. I loved Anna and enjoyed reading this book. Such an engaging and good read. Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
Such a well-written book. The language used is lucid and easy to understand. It is a blend of facts with fiction, which makes it an unputdownable read. I loved Anna and enjoyed reading this book. Such an engaging and good read. Overall, I loved this book and would strongly recommend it to all.
September 9, 2025
I was intrigued to know Anna’s story just like the author, and when I reached the part where her daughter handed over her journal, I felt like I was holding my breath, ready to witness this epic tale. The writing is heartfelt, honest, and lucid, making this not just a biography but a moving tribute to a woman who faced unimaginable struggles and yet never gave up her faith or courage.
For me, this was an inspiring and page-turning read. Despite the hardships, Anna’s resilience shines through, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure and find hope. The book left me reflecting on strength, faith, and the kind of courage that defines a life well lived.
Anna is an inspiration to all of us, and her story deserves to be read and remembered.
For me, this was an inspiring and page-turning read. Despite the hardships, Anna’s resilience shines through, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can endure and find hope. The book left me reflecting on strength, faith, and the kind of courage that defines a life well lived.
Anna is an inspiration to all of us, and her story deserves to be read and remembered.
September 18, 2025
Anna, a Life of Faith & Courage is a deeply inspiring story that moved me from the very first chapter. Travis Short brings Anna’s journey to life with honesty and tenderness, showing how faith can provide strength even in the darkest times.
What touched me most was Anna’s quiet resilience and her unwavering courage. The book doesn’t shy away from the struggles she faced, but instead highlights the hope and inner strength that carried her through. It’s not just a biography — it’s a reminder of the power of faith to guide us when life tests us most.
This is a book that lingers in your heart, encouraging you to reflect on your own choices and beliefs. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys true stories of inspiration, endurance, and the triumph of spirit.
What touched me most was Anna’s quiet resilience and her unwavering courage. The book doesn’t shy away from the struggles she faced, but instead highlights the hope and inner strength that carried her through. It’s not just a biography — it’s a reminder of the power of faith to guide us when life tests us most.
This is a book that lingers in your heart, encouraging you to reflect on your own choices and beliefs. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys true stories of inspiration, endurance, and the triumph of spirit.
September 4, 2025
Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage by Travis E. Short is a powerful, page turning story to read. It was one of faith, courage, love, heartache, and sacrifice. I admired Anna and her determination of moving forward despite the hardships she was faced in her young life. It was motivational to see how she continued to survive and look to her faith in God to keep on going. Her story was a combination of touching, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. I do warn want to warn others that there were times I felt my heart breaking for her and wanted to grab the tissue box to wipe the tears. I thought it was a great testament of faith with an inspirational message of where to look when life gets hard. I loved reading every single page. It was truly a beautiful tale of triumph over tragedy.
In my opinion, Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage deserves a five star rating. I have not doubt lovers of clean historical fiction will enjoy it as much as me. I believe it is one that should not be missed and a must read. I would love to read more books from Travis E. Short and see what adventure awaits for me in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Travis E Short's Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
In my opinion, Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage deserves a five star rating. I have not doubt lovers of clean historical fiction will enjoy it as much as me. I believe it is one that should not be missed and a must read. I would love to read more books from Travis E. Short and see what adventure awaits for me in the future.
I received a paperback copy of Travis E Short's Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
September 1, 2025
Travis Short's Anna: A Life of Faith and Courage is heartfelt and inspiring.
It beautifully captures the resilience and strength of a young girl guided by her faith and belief.
This book is a blend of history, faith, and personal struggle into a moving story. The story is in fact a little blemished, sort of hopeful.
I'll be frank, it resonates deeply with readers who have faith (or questioning them) despite it being a heavy story it's simple but unputdownable. I have to admit this is my first time reading a book dealing with faith and devotion and God. It got me questioning a lot. It's a little difficult to read but worthwhile
It beautifully captures the resilience and strength of a young girl guided by her faith and belief.
This book is a blend of history, faith, and personal struggle into a moving story. The story is in fact a little blemished, sort of hopeful.
I'll be frank, it resonates deeply with readers who have faith (or questioning them) despite it being a heavy story it's simple but unputdownable. I have to admit this is my first time reading a book dealing with faith and devotion and God. It got me questioning a lot. It's a little difficult to read but worthwhile
September 19, 2025
This book made me think about something that wasn’t a part of the actual story. How the world is filled with fake Christians and fake believers who somehow are very vocal about their beliefs, yet every step they ever take is the opposite of what Christianity stands for. THIS is the book they all should read. THIS is what they should know – THIS is what faith looks like. I know it now comes off as judgmental, I know.
Ok, back to the book – it is beautiful. It is sad, it is heartbreaking, and it is beautiful. It’s filled with hope, with faith, with pain, with love, with resilience, and it is so beautifully told. This is one of the rare books that deserve the INSPIRING badge.
Ok, back to the book – it is beautiful. It is sad, it is heartbreaking, and it is beautiful. It’s filled with hope, with faith, with pain, with love, with resilience, and it is so beautifully told. This is one of the rare books that deserve the INSPIRING badge.
August 26, 2025
Thank you, author, for giving Anna a voice that could reach many readers.
This is a great memoir, even if you aren't religious. This is a great testimony of a woman's life, historical, educational, and if you don't see her faith, you can see her positive attitude towards life and kindness towards people. The author's voice is distinct from the chapters that are Anna's POV, and I like that detail. The end is sad, because it's not just about Anna, but the friends the author made and saw depart from that place of last rest.
This is a great memoir, even if you aren't religious. This is a great testimony of a woman's life, historical, educational, and if you don't see her faith, you can see her positive attitude towards life and kindness towards people. The author's voice is distinct from the chapters that are Anna's POV, and I like that detail. The end is sad, because it's not just about Anna, but the friends the author made and saw depart from that place of last rest.
September 2, 2025
as a christian and as someone who has been tested in life, i can deeply resonate with anna’s journey. her story is inspiring, motivational, and speaks directly to my heart. the way she leaned on god in her darkest moments reminds me of the power of faith when everything else feels uncertain.
i absolutely love this book. it’s one of the best i’ve read in a long time. more than just a memoir, it’s a testimony of courage, perseverance, and unwavering devotion. truly a must-read for anyone looking for strength and encouragement in their own walk of faith.
i absolutely love this book. it’s one of the best i’ve read in a long time. more than just a memoir, it’s a testimony of courage, perseverance, and unwavering devotion. truly a must-read for anyone looking for strength and encouragement in their own walk of faith.
December 31, 2025
This book tells the story of Anna, a girl who was mistreated as a child but found solace in her Christian faith. In the present day, a man whose wife has just moved into a nursing home meets an elderly Anna. He is curious about her life, so he’s happy to read her autobiography. Anna suffered a lot throughout her life, both physically and mentally, but she used her faith to keep going.
Anna is a powerful and emotional story about the power of faith.
Anna is a powerful and emotional story about the power of faith.
August 28, 2025
Anna: A life of Faith and Courage is a powerful and page turning read. It's courage, determination, faith, heartache and sacrifice had me in awe even when I had a tear in my eye. It's a motivational testament to one women who sacrifices and when things get really hard she turns to her faith. Even non believers like myself will enjoy Anna's story. I feel like it is inspirational.
September 3, 2025
This book is extra poignant as it’s based on the life of a woman who faced so many obstacles. She was courageous and strong in the face of adversities, taking solace in her deep faith. No matter your belief system, Anna’s strength is a great lesson for us all.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews